Old Posts

Monday, September 05, 2005

Why it happensWhy sleep when you could be playing with toys or going on a walk? Babies are so busy discovering their world that they hate to miss out on anything, which is all the more reason to set aside quiet time during the day for your baby to relax and take a nap. Babies may resist naps if they get overtired and don't have a regular nap schedule or if they've been over stimulated by a special event such as a birthday party or a trip. Every baby has unique sleep needs, but in general, most infants take two to three naps a day by age 4 months. By 6 months, 90 percent take two naps a day, eventually dropping to one by their second birthday.

What you can do about it Up to age 6 months, most babies are ready to take a nap 1 1/2 to 2 hours after waking up in the morning. If yours gets up at 7 a.m., for example, he should need his first nap between 8:30 and 9. Look for the telltale signs of sleepiness — eye-rubbing, ear-pulling, or fussiness — and get him to bed as soon as you spot them. If you wait too long, he'll get overtired and have a tough time settling down to sleep.

If you don't already have a naptime routine add one to your child's schedule. Make it a mini version of his bedtime routine, such as a few minutes of rocking and a story (no need for a bath or pajamas). This will signal to him that it's time to settle down and take a nap. It's also important to have your baby nap in the same place where he sleeps at night whenever possible. He'll then associate his crib (or wherever he slumbers) with sleep, and you'll be much more successful in getting him to take a nap.

Finally, plan special events around your child's nap times whenever you can. It may be hard to stick to a regular nap schedule when you're on the go, but making the extra effort to do so will pay off — babies who nap well are happier than those who don't.